Your wedding day is the most important day of your life. It would be incomplete if those who mean the most to you weren’t present. For some of us, our dogs are the first on that list!
More than just a companion, you may consider your dog as part of your family. They hold such a special place in your heart, and they shouldn’t be left out of your big day just because they require a bit more coordination. There are so many easy, adorable ways to include your dog in your wedding.
5 Roles For Your Dog On Your Wedding Day
1. The Ring Bearer
This one requires a well trained dog and a lot of trust, but if you feel comfortable, let your dog be your ringbearer! The rings are such a symbolic part of your ceremony, having your first “child” deliver them to you is incredibly special! Get them a small box to carry in their mouth or a little harness to wear on their back. Let someone walk with them down the aisle or have them run to you on their own!
Having your dog as your ring bearer is sure to be an unforgettable addition!
2. The Flower Dog
If you’re looking for a role with a little less pressure but a whole lot of cuteness, let your pet be the flower dog! While they may not be able to toss petals like a traditional flower girl, it’s easy to fasten a flower to their collar or even put a flower crown on their head. This role is as simple as having them walk down the aisle, nothing extra, nothing complicated.
A flower dog is a darling addition to any ceremony!
3. The Greeter
Probably the easiest, most convenient roll for your four-legged friend to have is the door greeter! One of the only roles that allows them to interact with every guest, the greeter is the perfect way to keep your pet in one place, minimize potential chaos, and get the most out of having your pup in attendance! Pair them with someone who can direct guests for a seamless way to get them involved.
Having your dog welcome all your other guests is a great way to show how much they mean to you!
4. The “Best Boy” or “Girl of Honor”
Sometimes our pets have been with us since we were young, there for every era, every version. Sometimes they truly are your best friend. If that’s the case, include them in the bridal party! Having your dog right next to you during your ceremony may be exactly the comfort and joy you need. A great way to show them and others just how much your pet means to you!
Letting your pup stand in line with the closest to is such a “wow” moment!
5. The Gift Guard
If you’re looking for a low pressure, low interaction job, the gift guard might be the right way to go! The tradition of bringing gifts to a wedding is starting to dwindle as most people tend to mail them these days, but most people still include a gift table just in case. Stationing your dog beside it is a wonderful way to keep them contained while still involved. It also means those who want to come say hi have the choice, and those that don’t aren’t required to.
Beside the gift table is the perfect place for your pup to rest during the long day!
2 Practices To Prep Your Pup For Photos
1. Treats. Lots of treats.
Dogs are like humans when it comes to food. They know what they like and what they don’t like. For just one day, they can splurge! Bring your dogs favorite treats, and lots of them. Train them beforehand to know how to sit, how to sit still, how to look straight ahead. Practice with the treats. Practice with a camera. Practice with a group
2. Wear them out beforehand.
Don’t wait till the photos take out all their energy! Wake them up when you get up. Have your dog handler play fetch with them, take them for a run, or get them active. A tired pup is the easiest to photograph.
4 Tips For A Stress-Free “I Do” With Your Dog
1. Assign a dedicated dog handler
Don’t add keeping track of your pup to your list of things to do on your big day! While it’s important to include them, we don’t want this to be a point of stress for you or your future spouse. Just like everything else, put someone else in charge of this!
Do you have a good friend that spends a lot of time with your furry friend? Are they close to your parents? Do you know someone who is naturally gifted with animals? This is a great thing to delegate as it not only takes something off your hands, but also makes the person feel included too!
2. Include your dog in the rehearsal
We want to set both you and your dog up for success. If you plan to include your pup in any part of your wedding day, make sure you practice it! Even if they’re just going to be welcoming people, have them start with the day before.
Make them sit where they’re going to sit. Have them greet the rehearsal guests. Practice their role so both the handler and the dog are prepared for the day ahead.
3. Know your dog’s limits and plan and exit strategy
This is the realistic part. This is the part where you have to be honest with yourself. You know your dog best and it’s important to ask yourself if they can handle this. Temperament and personality are key to knowing if this is going to work out, or if it will only end in disaster.
If you think your dog will be great for the first two hours, but things may go south from there, then have an exit strategy. Know how they’re going to get out, who’s going to bring them home, and when it’ll be time for them to make their grand exit.
We all love our pets. We all think our pets are the best pets in the entire world, but we have to know their limitations. There’s nothing wrong with an energetic, chatty, wild puppy, but it’s important to give them a job that will suit them and not cause more stress for anyone involved.
4. Pack a dog bag
Being prepared is key here! Including your pet means making sure they have everything they need.We don’t want you worried and running out in the middle of the day because your dog is hungry. Pack the food. Pack the water. Pack the toys. Pack the bed. Just like you having your “day of” bag, your pup may need their own!
Get ahead of anything that may be a source of stress by thinking ahead. You know what your dog needs to get through the day, you know what they require to be the best version of themselves. Bring it along!
Don’t let the image of potential chaos stop you from including your dog on your wedding day. Your pup is dear to you and may very well be your best friend. It wouldn’t be right if they weren’t there on your wedding day. There are so many fun, easy, stress-free ways to make sure your four-legged friend is by your side on the biggest day of your life. If you want it, let’s do it!
